Elm Bark Borer
Physocnemum brevilineum
This record describes Physocnemum brevilineum (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. Guy A. Hanley, 2010 uncommon ( 6 )
Identification notes
Det. Guy A. Hanley, 2010
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cerambycinae
- Tribe
- Callidiini
- Genus
- Physocnemum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.NA to e.MB‒TX - Map , most records near Great Lakes and s. Great Plains
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-July ( 4 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: bark of living elms ( Ulmus , Ulmaceae)
Life History
Eggs laid under bark scales; larvae feed in phloem ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Physocnemum brevilineum (Say 1833)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Physocnemum brevilineum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elm Bark Borer
What is Elm Bark Borer?
Elm Bark Borer (Physocnemum brevilineum) is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Elm Bark Borer?
7‒20 mm
How do you identify Elm Bark Borer?
Det. Guy A. Hanley, 2010
Where is Elm Bark Borer found?
Range: e.NA to e.MB‒TX - Map , most records near Great Lakes and s. Great Plains
What does Elm Bark Borer eat?
The diet of the Elm Bark Borer includes bark of living elms ( Ulmus , Ulmaceae).
When is Elm Bark Borer active?
Elm Bark Borer: seasonal activity - mostly: May-July ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Elm Bark Borer?
Eggs laid under bark scales; larvae feed in phloem ( 5 )